The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle

 The Paper Caper

Book Summary

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is back with an intriguing new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.

Joseph Cabot is a very popular wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt and now the man and his wife are friendly with Derek and Brooklyn. The friendship is helped along by the fact that Joseph is a big book lover and contributes lavishly to the Covington Library. His favorite author is Mark Twain (another newspaperman) and he’s underwritten the first annual Mark Twain Festival at the Covington.

As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be events all week, all around town, celebrating the time Twain spent in the city. But the biggest event is being run by Joseph’s newspaper: a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes! Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues all over their beloved city to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.

My Thoughts

The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone enjoying the first annual Mark Twain Festival sponsored by Joseph Cabot.  The event includes a lookalike contest with the winner looking amazing like Joseph.  Joseph and the winner switch places for the rest of the festival.  When someone close to Joseph ends up dead, Brooklyn and Derek wonder if the murdered killed their intended target.  The Paper Caper is the sixteenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  While it can be read as a standalone, you will be missing out on some background information.  I have read every book in this series for booklovers.  I look forward to a new A Bibliophile Mystery each year. Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restorer and lover of books.  She is one of my favorite fictional characters (if she was real, I could see us being friends).  I did find her to be a little off in this book.  She seemed squeamish which is unexpected for someone who has been involved in over a dozen murders.  She also became scared and paranoid at one of the events.  Brooklyn is normally levelheaded.  Derek Stone is her strong, handsome husband who is protective.  There are times when I feel that Derek treats Brooklyn like a child.  It is infrequent, but I found it irritating.  Brooklyn is a clever, talented woman who has helped Derek solve many cases.  She is observant with good deductive skills.  Brooklyn and Derek are a cute couple (still very much in love).

I enjoyed the first annual Mark Twain Festival which benefited the Covington Library.  There were some fun events.  The Prince and the Pauper is the book featured in The Paper Caper.  Brooklyn restores a copy for the Covington Library.  I love learning about Brooklyn’s trade as a book restorer.  The mystery was straightforward.  It does not begin until almost the halfway point.  By the time the murder occurs, I already knew the solution.  I admit that I enjoyed how the deed was done.  It is certainly unique.   We get to catch up with Brooklyn’s family as well as Ian and his partner.  Detective Lee, of course, is in charge of the case.  There is rumor that she will be getting a new partner.  There is humor sprinkled throughout the story.  There is some mild foul language (just to let you know).  I hope the next A Bibliophile Mystery will have more substance and a trickier whodunit.  I like Kate Carlisle’s casual writing style.  It is like you are visiting old friends when you open A Bibliophile Mystery.  The Paper Caper is a delightful tale with a pulsating prince, a pleasant pauper, an animated marketing maven, a Swedish bombshell, a disagreeable butler, a malicious mother, a debonaire Derek, and a busy Brooklyn. 

The Paper Caper is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other fifteen A Bibliophile Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes A Fixer-Upper Mysteries. Dressed to Drill is the tenth A Fixer Upper Mystery and it will come out on April 4, 2023.  A few of the other new books out today are:  Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon (I will be a stop on the Great Escape Virtual Book Tours on August 6), Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany, Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders, Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard, Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen, Point Last Seen by Christina Dodd, Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller, and The Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates.   I appreciate you stopping by today to read my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates.  I hope that you have happy day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Welcome to Weaver Street by Chrissie Walsh

 Welcome to Weaver Street

Book Summary

Kitty and Tom Conlon arrive in Liverpool in July 1916 to claim the house Tom’s great-uncle has bequeathed him in his will. The move to England couldn’t have come at a better time. Dublin is in turmoil following the Easter Uprising and Kitty’s brother is now in prison.

The house in Weaver Street is all they hoped for, and after a shaky start with her new neighbors, Kitty believes the world is her oyster. Until that is, Tom is conscripted into the navy.

With Tom away, it’s up to Kitty and the women of Weaver Street to get each other through the war.

About the Author

Chrissie Walsh was born and raised in West Yorkshire and is a retired schoolteacher with a passion for history. She has written several successful sagas documenting feisty women in challenging times for Aria. Welcome to Weaver Street, the first title in her new WW1 saga series for Boldwood.

Social Media Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063501278251

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WalshChrissie

Bookbub profile:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chrissie-walsh

My Thoughts

Welcome to Weaver Street by Chrissie Walsh is an engaging historical novel.  We are taken back to 1916 in Liverpool when Kitty and Tom Conlon arrive from Dublin.  Tom inherited a home on Weaver Street from his great-uncle Thomas Conlan. It is an opportunity for free rent and to get away from the fighting in Ireland.  Kitty gets off to a rough start on Weaver Street.  Kitty’s kindness soon reaps rewards.  She will need her new friends for what lies ahead.   Tom is conscripted into the navy which leaves Kitty alone.  The people of Weaver Street are there for each other as the war trudges on in Europe.  I thought Welcome to Weaver Street was well-written with realistic main characters.  I liked Kitty Conlon who is a gregarious, caring woman.  She has such a big heart.  Kitty is also generous.  I liked seeing Kitty grow as time passed.  Tom cares about making money.  He wants to rise above his upbringing.  Tom fancies becoming a rich toff.  He opens a bookmaking business at the local pub.  Tom believes manual work is beneath him.  Maggie, Kitty’s neighbor, does not make the best first impression.  Over time, though, she becomes a good friend.  Maggie provided some laugh out loud moments.  I liked seeing shy Beth come out of her shell thanks to Kitty’s encouragement. 

There are good people that live on Weaver Street.  I enjoyed getting to know most of them (there is always a bad penny).  I like how the neighbors were there for each other during the good and the bad.  The people that lived on Weaver Street were like one big family.  We follow the characters as they get through the war and endure the Spanish influenza.  I thought Welcome to Weaver Street was an emotional novel.  There are marriages, deaths, births, war injuries, domestic abuse, and much more.  We get a realistic view of what life was like during this time period.  I liked that you could stop by Kitty’s home and talk over your problems over a good cup of tea.  There are some sections that are a little slower than others, but that does not detract from the story.  Welcome to Weaver Street is my favorite book by this author.  I enjoyed reading this charming historical novel.  I look forward to my next visit to Weaver Street.  Welcome to Weaver Street is a fetching tale with an inherited home, a waging war, a cute café, kind neighbors, bookie bets, undesired conscription, a pregnancy problem, and a good natter over a cup of tea. 

Welcome to Weaver Street is available from Amazon*.  If you are a member of Kindle Unlimited, you can read Welcome to Weaver Street for free.  You can find Chrissie Walsh's other historical novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle.  It is the 16th A Bibliophile Mystery.  I hope that you have joyful day.  Take care, stay cool (so very hot and humid outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

 Welcome to Weaver Street

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders

 Witch and Famous

 Book Summary

For a tiny town, picturesque Wilfred, Oregon, has everything, including an impressive library housed in a Victorian mansion, a touch of magic in new librarian and fledgling witch, Josie Way, a visiting movie star—and a curious tendency toward murder . . .
 
Josie and all of Wilfred are buzzing with excitement. A-list movie star Daphne Morris has chosen to interview Roz, assistant librarian and novelist, for her book club. But when the glamorous actress quickly charms both Roz’s long-time love and sheriff Sam, the object of Josie’s unrequited affection, Josie turns to the whispers from her beloved books for ideas on revising the plot. Yet soon there’s another twist.

At a party to celebrate the interview, Daphne’s personal chef is found dead in a scene that all too closely echoes one in Roz’s novel. It’s clear to Josie that someone’s idea of a happy ending means framing her friend. She’ll have to read between the lines with the help of the library’s enchanted stacks, guidance from her magical grandmother’s letters, and her cat familiar, Rodney, to solve this murder before someone decides to stage a deadly sequel . . .

 My Thoughts

Witch and Famous by Angela M. Sanders is the third novel in A Witch Way Librarian Mysteries.  Witch and Famous is an amusing paranormal cozy mystery.  Josie Wray is an interesting main character.  She is a librarian with special magical abilities.  I like that her special gift is bibliomancy.  Josie can talk to and hear the books.  Josie can recommend the perfect book for each patron.  She is slowly learning how to use her magic thanks to letters (magical lessons) left to her by her grandmother.  There are a variety of quirky characters in the story.  Wilfred, Oregon is a small town where everyone knows your business and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on hot pancakes.  There are many amusing incidents.  I was not a fan of the women getting jealous when Daphne Morris smiled and flirted with their beaus. I found Roz’ behavior to be juvenile.  Roz really let the green-eyed monster get to her.  Josie has no reason to be jealous because Sam is just her friend.  Josie has a “crush” on Sam, but he treats her like a good friend.  

The mystery was a fun one to solve.  I like how the clues were sprinkled throughout the book.  There are red herrings to distract readers from solving the crime before the reveal.  I did feel the reveal was a bit rushed considering the complexity.  The solution to the crime suited the story.  I enjoyed the books dialogue and how the various books behaved.  The book on racing was particularly amusing.  There is humor scattered throughout the story to keep readers amused.  Witch and Famous can be read as a standalone as the author provides the necessary background information on our main character.  You will be missing out details regarding the townspeople.  The story is a bit of a slow starter with most of the action taking place in the second half.  The magic helped spice up the story.  Josie is slowly learning her craft, but she does need to learn caution.  I was glad that the name of the town was not mentioned so frequently as in Bait and Witch.  With and Famous is a magical tale with a magnetic movie star, prying residents, fatal threats, a mischievous feline, a green-eyed girlfriend, a smitten sheriff, a powerful potion, and a meddling librarian.

Witch and Famous publishes on Tuesday, July 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first two books in A Witch Way Librarian Mysteries are Bait and Witch (can be borrowed for free with Kindle Unlimited) plus Seven-Year Witch.  You can find Angela Sanders' other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  On Monday, I am featuring Welcome to Weaver Street by Chrissie Walsh.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

 Love Blooms in Morning Star

Book Summary

When five unmarried Amish maidels turn a ramshackle barn into a thriving business, their small Missouri town is energized by new opportunities. But the Morning Star Marketplace has also brought unexpected joy, as each woman finds her own true love . . . 

As Jo Fussner keeps the Marketplace humming, her heart dances with a joyous secret. Jo and Michael Wengerd, a shy nursery owner from a nearby town, have fallen hopelessly in love. When Michael buys a courting buggy, Jo is sure a proposal will follow. But she’ll have to work hard to gain her mother’s approval—because the widowed Drusilla Fussner is convinced that marriage will bring her daughter nothing but heartache.

To win Jo’s hand, Michael enlists his father’s help in convincing Drusilla to give the marriage her blessing—and perhaps even open her heart to new happiness of her own. . . . But just as Jo and Michael’s hope for their future grows, an even bigger obstacle looms. The Amish elders vote to forbid any maidel from working once she marries. Now Jo must choose between the beloved store she’s put her heart into, and the man she can’t live without. Conflicted, Jo will have to trust that anything is possible when true faith guides the way . . .

My Thoughts

Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard is the fourth novel in The Maidels of Morning Star series.  Each book can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this charming series in order.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an inspiring and heartwarming tale.  I love the characters in this series.  We get to catch up with all the people from the previous books, but this story focuses on Jo, Michael, Nelson, and Drusilla.  We also get to spend more time with Nelson’s twin sister, Nadine.  I like that the women speak up for themselves.  I admit that I do not agree with the Amish rule that men are in charge of the households and make the decisions regarding a wife (like being allowed to work outside the home).  We get to know Drusilla and learn what is behind her behavior.  I like that the characters and their situations are realistic.  They have real life struggles that readers can relate to.  I like that the characters are a range of ages (from Jo’s teenage helpers to those in their twilight years).  The descriptions of Jo’s mouthwatering baked goods will have heading for the nearest bakery.  There are good life lessons including a special one on forgiveness.  The faith element was nicely woven into the story.  The Easter weekend celebrations were special, and I liked Bishop Jeremiah’s sermon.  I enjoyed the camaraderie of the community and how people would come together to help each other.  The ending is special and will leave you with a good feeling in your heart (and a smile on your face).  I hope this will not be our last visit to Morning Star.  Love Blooms in Morning Star is an uplifting Amish tale with scrumptious coffee cakes, pretty posies, an emotive mother, an exultant engagement, a deacon dilemma, a cheery twin sister, a benevolent bishop, conferring forgiveness, and sweet surprises.  

Love Blooms in Morning Star publishes Tuesday, July 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The other three novels in The Maidels of Morning Star are Morning Star (can be borrowed for free through Kindle Unlimited), First Light in Morning Star, and Christmas Comes to Morning Star.  You can find Charlotte Hubbard's other novels here.  Charlotte Hubbard's next new book release is Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge which publishes February 28, 2023. It is the latest addition to the Promise Lodge series.  I appreciate you joining me today and reading my review.  On deck for tomorrow is Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders. It is the third book in A Witch Way Librarian Mysteries.  I hope that you have a positive day.  I am off to organize.  I have spaces that desperately need organization (and hopefully I can get rid of some items to make more space).  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot outside), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen

 Mint Chocolate Murder

Book Summary

Riley Rhodes returns in the second delicious cozy set in a New England ice cream shop, Meri Allen's Mint Chocolate Murder!

When Udderly Delightful Ice Cream shop manager Riley Rhodes is summoned to Penniman’s Moy Mull Castle, it’s the cherry on top of a successful summer season. The gothic pile built by an eccentric New England Gilded Age millionaire has been transformed into a premiere arts colony by Maud Monaco, a reclusive former supermodel. As part of Moy Mull’s Fall Arts Festival, Maud is throwing a fantasy ice cream social and hires Riley to whip up unique treats to celebrate the opening of an exhibit by Adam Blasco, a photographer as obnoxious as he is talented.

As Penniman fills up with Maud’s art-world friends arriving for the festival, gossip swirls around Blasco, who has a dark history of obsession with his models. Riley’s curiosity and instincts for sleuthing – she was a CIA librarian – are piqued, and she wonders at the hold the cold-hearted photographer has over the mistress of Moy Mull.

But when Adam is found dead behind the locked door of Moy Mull’s dungeon, Riley realizes there’s more than one suspect who’d wanted to put the malicious photographer on ice.

My Thoughts

Riley Rhodes is creating unique ice cream flavors for an event at Moy Mull Castle owned by Maud Monaco, a former model.  As part of the Moy Mull Arts Festival, there will be an ice cream social.  Maud is also featuring Avant Garde photographer, Adam Blasco at the festival.  When it is time for Adam’s talk on the first day of the festival, he is MIA.  Adam is later found dead in the castle’s locked dungeon.  Riley can think of several individuals who were disgruntled with the insufferable photographer.  Unfortunately, one of the suspects is Willow’s boyfriend, Luca.  Riley dons her sleuthing cap and works to expose the killer.

Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen is the second novel in An Ice Cream Shop Mysteries.  It can be a standalone if you have not read The Rocky Road to Ruin.  I like Riley Rhodes who is a former CIA librarian (and spy) who now managing Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop in Penniman, Connecticut.  Riley creates ice cream flavors that have lines out the door at the ice cream shop.  The setting of Moy Mull Castle is unique.  An eccentric millionaire recreated a medieval castle in Connecticut.  It was a hotel for a time.  Maud has brought back the Scottish charm and the antiques found in the attic.  The festival seemed like it was fun with plenty of delicious treats.  I did feel the pacing was slow.  We follow Riley through her day-to-day routine leading up to the festival.  The author’s detailed descriptions further bog down the story (do we have to know what each person is wearing along with hair color).  The murder does not occur until almost a quarter of the way into the book.  By the time the victim was killed, I already knew who would die and who committed the crime.  I am baffled as to how the title tied into the story.  Mint chocolate ice cream is not a flavor mentioned in the book (pumpkin spice is mentioned several times).  There are a number of characters in the story.  It is challenging trying to keep track of all of them (just like in the first book).  There are delectable ice cream flavors including the colorful unicorn ice cream (you will find yourself heading to the freezer for a pint). Mint Chocolate Murder is a colorful cozy with a fun fall festival, a modish ex-model, a disrespectful photographer, appetizing ice cream, a curious crime, a striking castle, and a sharp-eyed sleuthing librarian.

Mint Chocolate Murder comes out Tuesday, July 26 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  The first An Ice Cream Shop Mystery is The Rocky Road to Ruin.  You can follow Meri Allen on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard.  It is the fourth book in The Maidels of Mornings Star series.  I hope that your day is filled with sunny smiles.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller

 Duty Calls at Goodwill House

Book Summary

July 1940

With Hitler’s bombs getting closer, WAAF Diane Forsyth is determined to face the oncoming danger and do her duty to support the brave RAF pilots who risk their lives as they take to the skies.

And there’s one pilot in particular Di hopes remains safe - Squadron Leader Freddie Hanover. But with a romance between them growing, Di and Freddie know their duty must always come first. How can they dream of a future together whilst this terrible war continues?

Lady Joanna Harcourt understands Di’s vow of duty – she’s taken one herself. But Joanna also knows that life is terribly precious and that one must make the most of every single day…before it’s too late.

My Thoughts

Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller is an engaging historical novel.  It is the third book in the Goodwill House series.  I recommend reading this delightful series in order as it will allow you to get to know the characters (and follow them from the beginning).  I like Fenella J. Miller’s writing style.  I was drawn into the story and just wanted to keep reading.  It is like visiting with old friends.  I love Joanna and the gang at Goodwill House.  Joanna has come a long way since the beginning.  She is a woman with a big heart.  It is great seeing Liza and Joe blossom.  Elizabeth still likes some things done a certain way, but she is becoming less formal and more congenial.  We get to catch up with Millie, Ted, Di, and Freddie as well. I find the characters to be realistic and relatable.  The author captures what the war was like for civilians, WAAF, and RAF.  

The members of Goodwill House and the local village live near an airbase.  They can hear the planes coming and going.  Unfortunately, it means the airbase is a target which means frequent air raid warnings.  It is an emotional novel.  We see what it is like to worry about a loved one who is in the air battling the Germans.  You never knew if an RAF pilot would make it back to base.  Measles hits the village affecting adults and children.  Joanna and Elizabeth are worried about paying off the debt to the bank.  The new Lord Harcourt is up to no good and the ladies are worried he will try to take Goodwill House.  I like that we get to see what the day-to-day life was like for the characters.  It must have been difficult trying to cloth and feed a family with rationing.      With the war ongoing, it will be a while before things are tickety boo.  I am eager for the next installment of Goodwill House.  Duty Calls at Goodwill House is a gas with air raids, a measles epidemic, exploding eggs, pilots on a toot, a kite plight, cab happy WAAF, a cozy cottage, bank bothers, and war rationing.

Duty Calls at Goodwill House comes out Tuesday, July 26 and it is available for preorder from Amazon*.  The first two books in the Goodwill House series are The War Girls of Goodwill House and New Recruits at Goodwill House.  Both of those books can be borrowed for free is you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.  You can find Fenella J. Miller's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen.  It is the second book in An Ice Cream Shop Mysteries.  I hope that you have a jolly good day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Sign of the Calico Quartz by Jan Drexler: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway!

 The Sign of the Calico Quartz

 

About The Sign of the Calico Quartz

 

The Sign of the Calico Quartz (The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries) 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Setting - South Dakota 

Swift Wings Press (May 20, 2022) 

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 276 pages 

 

Emma Blackwood’s favorite pastime is solving literary murder mysteries…until the body in her living room makes everything a little too real.

When Emma comes to the Black Hills to work at her Aunt Rose’s B&B, the Sweetbrier Inn, she is hoping for a quiet break from the corporate treadmill. But she hadn’t expected murder and intrigue to mar this peaceful setting.

As she wades through too many clues to identify the murderer, she soon finds that the culprit isn’t stopping at only one homicide and may even have placed Emma herself on the list of targets. With the help of her friend Becky, and a deputy sheriff who grudgingly lets them join in on the investigation, Emma tracks down the killer. But will it be in time to save the next victim?

About Jan Drexler

Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband, where she enjoys hiking and spending time with her expanding family. She is the author of several historical romance novels, including the award-winning Mattie’s Pledge, and is pleased to be starting a new adventure with a cozy mystery series, The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries. You can find out more about Jan on her website: www.JanDrexler.com.

Author Links

Website: https://jandrexler.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanDrexlerAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583749.Jan_Drexler

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Drexler/e/B00CLGAGAK/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

My Thoughts

Emma Blackwood arrives at her Aunt Rose’s Sweetbrier Inn in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Emma needs a change after the end of a bad relationship.  Emma is upstairs during teatime when she notices that her cat, Tim is out of their suite.  She goes into her suite with her cat and finds a man dead on the floor.  Unfortunately, Emma finds herself at the top of the suspect list.  It soon becomes apparent that someone is framing Emma.  Emma needs to figure out who is behind the murder before she ends up in the poky.  

The Sign of the Calico Quartz by Jan Drexler is the debut of The Sweetbrier Inn Mysteries.  I like Emma’s mysterious Aunt Rose.  She seems to have a unique past.  I enjoyed the lovely descriptions of the Black Hills.  The mystery is interesting.  It is a busy mystery.  There are a handful of suspects, misdirection, and good clues.  I did feel that the solution was a bit obvious.  It was fun following along Emma looked for clues, questioned the inn’s guests, and stumbled upon evidence.  There was more action in the second half that kept the story propelling toward the end.  I was left with a few questions regarding the case when I finished.  I liked Deputy Cal Cooper who was in charge of the case.  He is a nice man who takes his job seriously.  I hope we get to know Emma and Rose more in the next book.  I loved Becky, a baker, who is Emma’s new friend.  Thatcher, Rose’s corgi, is a cutie and helpful as well.  It will be interesting to see what happens next in The Case of the Artist’s Mistake.  The Sign of the Calico Quartz is a charming cozy with the beautiful Black Hills, a cute corgi, a murdered man, scrumptious scones, cagey guests, cowboy Cal, and enquiring Emma.

Excerpt

“This must be Thatcher.” I held the corgi’s smiling face between my hands and rubbed his ears. His tri-color markings included black lines around his eyes that made him look like he was wearing spectacles.

“That dog.” Humorous disgust filled Wil’s voice. “He got out of his crate again. I keep telling Rose that she needs to put a lock on that thing.”

“He’s just a smart puppy.” The dog’s eyes half-closed as I scratched his chest. “And the cutest thing.”

“Cutest brat, you mean.” Wil closed the door and picked up my suitcase. “As long as Rose is at home, he’s fine. But as soon as she walks out the door, he’s a holy terror.”

“He can’t be that bad.” I watched the dog approach the door of Tim’s cat carrier, caution in every step. “It looks like he and Tim might get along.”

“Tim?”

“My cat.” I indicated the crate. Thatcher’s nose was stuck through the wire door and his tail was wiggling.

“That dog doesn’t get along with anyone.”

His smile belied his gruff words. It was just a bit crooked. One a girl would die for. I grabbed Tim’s carrier and stood up again, dusting my knees with the other hand to avoid his gaze. Maybe some girls would fall for a grin like that, but it would be a long time before another guy caught my eye, cute as a teen heartthrob or not.

The Sign of the Calico Quartz is available from Amazon* (you can borrow for free if you belong to Kindle Unlimited).  You can find Jan Drexler's other novels here.  Now for the giveaway!  You can enter to win  a prize package from Jan Drexler.    You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below or click here to enter (sorry, but US Only).  Leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  I appreciate you stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller which is the third novel in the Goodwill House series.  I hope that you have a happy day.  I am off to work on my summer outdoor decorations. The neighbors have said my yard is not the same without the decorations (inflatables, lights).  So, I went on a hunt for a beach themed inflatable.  I have a fun summer inflatable with Santa in summer shorts with penguin similarly attired with a palm tree that will set atop warm white lights that will represent sand.  I also have palm tree inflatables to stand on each side and some beach balls. I have white and blue lights to wrap around the posts on the patio as well.  I hope the village likes what I came up with for summer.  I will have to start thinking about fall next (Halloween goes up October 1).  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Tour Participants

July 18 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, EXCERPT 

July 18 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 19 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 19 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

July 20 – ebookaddicts – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 20 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW

July 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 21 – My Journey Back – RECIPE POST

July 21 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 22 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 22 – Ascroft, eh? – GUEST POST

July 23 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

July 23 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW

July 24 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST

July 24 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT WITH EXCERPT

July 25 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 25 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW WITH EXCERPT

July 26 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

July 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

July 27 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.